Dogs are and have been an important part of human lives from the beginning of time and were most prominently used as hunters, guardians, and herders. But now, cherished more as pets or loving companions, these dogs are considered a part of our families. However, the fact that these dogs were once feral wolves and still retain their wild nature and characteristics is a reality as obvious as daylight.
Most dog breeds, if not treated or trained properly, can turn aggressive and get out of control. According to dog bite statistics, around 4 million people suffer from dog bites every year.
Many large dogs are way more powerful than the pitbulls or their smaller counterparts like the American pit bull terrier, but they haven’t been known to show aggressiveness and cause harm. However, the dogs that have caused injuries and are the reason for serious dog attacks and fatalities are listed below.
Why these breeds are more ferocious than others can’t be exactly pinpointed, but the reasons can be how they were developed or raised, how they were treated, or just due to simple genetics. Read to know what breeds are difficult to handle and the most aggressive breeds in the world, which are not the best dog breeds for first-time owners.
Disclaimer: Breed alone does not determine behavior. Socialization, environment, and owner responsibility are key factors in aggression.
9 Most Ferocious Dog Breeds
1. Rottweiler
Weight: A full-grown rotweiler can grow up to be 120 pounds and has even strength to take down a human.
PSI Bite Force: A rottweiler has an exceptionally powerful bite force, measuring up to 328 pounds per square inch
Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs known for their aggressive behavior and fatal dog attacks. This German dog that hails from ancient Roman times is known to be a great guardian, agile hunter, and loyal dog breed. The Rottweilers are responsible for 45 deaths from 2005 to 2017, which accounts for 10% of fatal dog attacks annually.
But why are these usually devoted and loving dogs dangerous? Because of their extremely protective nature, they perceive strangers and visitors as a threat and violently treat them.
VCA hospitals says this furry pooch comes with a beautiful dark coat and brown eyes, making them one of the most popular breeds on the planet. However, make sure to train and socialize your Rottweiler from a young age to harness its excellent protective nature that makes it a nice Companion.
2. German Shepherd
Weight: They can reach up to 90 pounds in weight when fully mature and have a height of 2 feet.
PSI bite force: Their bite strength is dangerously high, and they have a High bite force of 238-291 pounds per square inch
You’ll often see German shepherds in the police force or the military, serving their time as police dogs and honorable heroes. But facts state this popular and versatile dog is known to be one of the most dangerous dog breeds, responsible for dog bite injuries and fatal dog attacks that result in serious wounds.
WebMD says this loyal and charming dog, might not be as dangerous as the Pit bulls or Rottweilers but still stands as a high risk dog breed, not ideal for novice owners and should be kept away from children and kids under the age of 5 because, high risk dogs are known for harming little ones more often than elders.
They also have a high prey drive, hence, families with other pets like cats or rabbits should not choose to adopt these aggressive dogs.
3. American Bulldog
Weight: These dogs can reach up to 100 pounds when fully grown.
PSI Bite Force: They have a strong bite force of 305 pounds per square inch.
Another popular hunk of the canine world made it to the aggressive dog breed list, and it’s none other than the American Bulldog. CKCUSA states that intimidating and fiercely loyal, this dog is usually known to be a snuggly companion who constantly needs to be closer to their owners. This powerful and muscular American bulldog is far more dangerous than the British bulldog, which is known to be an utter couch potato.
However, these muscular powerhouses can pose a challenge. If you live in an area with a high dog population, already have other breeds at home, keep smaller pets, or are unable to meet this breed’s demanding exercise and training needs, the American Bulldog may not be the right choice for you.
Known for their territorial instincts and intense prey drive, these dogs can be aggressive toward unfamiliar people and animals. Without consistent training and socialization, they may become anxious or even dangerous, particularly in environments lacking structure and leadership.
4. Bullmastiff
Weight: They grow up to be 130 pounds when fully mature
PSI Bite Force: They have a lethal bite force of 552 pounds per square inch, the highest among this list of aggressive dog breeds.
Bullmastiffs are quite imposing and strong, originally bred to take down poachers and guard estates. Britannica defines Bullmastiffs as having an inherent capability and strong instinct to catch and pin down strangers and visitors.
Although affectionate and intensely loyal to their immediate families and owners. This large dog can cause a massive amount of harm to people because of its size and muscular strength.
If you are adopting this usually gentle giant for home security and deterring potential danger. Make sure to train and socialize them properly because a poorly trained dog, smacking a man with its paw, can lead to an ER visit or a fatality.
5. Siberian Husky
Weight: They grow up to be around 45-65 pounds
PSI Bite Force: They have an exceptional bite force of 320 pounds per square inch
The Siberian husky doesn’t just look like a wolf, it also behaves like a wolf-dog breed. Sometimes when it is challenged by adults or children, its wild instincts can come to the surface, and it can cause severe injuries and damage.
According to PDSA, this wolf-like dog was originally bred for surviving harsh environments and temperatures. Hence, the Siberian husky’s survival instincts make it aggressive and territorial. Huskies also tend to have a high prey drive and like to catch smaller animals, and can cause harm to small humans as well.
Despite their reputation for being gentle, friendly, and affectionate, Huskies possess a surprisingly powerful bite force, one of the strongest among domestic dog breeds. These striking, energetic dogs require significantly more time, attention, and physical activity than the average pet.
Their intense exercise needs, heavy year-round shedding, and loud, high-pitched howls can be overwhelming for inexperienced or unprepared owners. Huskies are beautiful and intelligent, but they’re definitely not low-maintenance.
6. Boxer
Weight: These dopey dogs can reach a weight of 60-70 pounds and a height of 22-25 inches when fully grown.
PSI Bite Force: These fearless guardians have a strong bite force of 230 pounds per square inch.
Boxers are extremely emotional and expressive dogs that tend to be a bit stubborn. However, you can only understand their temperament if you have ever had a Boxer of your own. Just try asking them to come inside the house after a play session.
PetMD quotes that this quirky and diligent dog breed makes an efficient police dog and an exceptional guard dog. The goofy Boxers are known to be lethal because of their strength and muscular build.
However, prospective owners should take into consideration the physical and mental needs of this fearless dog. Dog owners should take care that their puppies are properly socialized and trained from a young age to rein in the defensive streak in their personality.
7. Doberman Pinscher
Weight: These highly intelligent and independent dogs reach up to 75-88 pounds when fully grown and have a height of 26-28 inches.
PSI Bite Force: They are supposedly said to have a bite force of 245-305 pounds per square inch.
Doberman Pinschers are one of the most intimidating and dangerous-looking dog breeds on this list. They have a bad reputation for being mean and snarly towards people, but in reality, they are quite compassionate and loving towards their owners.
However, it is also true that they bond with an individual rather than a whole group and need to be properly trained and properly socialized to tame down their inherent protective instincts and personality.
According to AKC, Dobermans were originally bred to be guard dogs, but that wasn’t their only purpose. These highly powerful and swift doggies have been built to be a weapon, a weapon that attacks and keeps away danger.
These constantly alert and stiff dogs with cropped ears and a devil stare are a force to be reckoned with. They are the best guard dogs because they can die for protecting their owners, but can also kill someone for the same reason.
They are not fond of smaller animals or pets, they don’t tolerate the presence of another in the house either. Hence, novice prospective owners should choose a less demanding breed than the Doberman, or know how to train an aggressive dog like the Doberman.
8. Alaskan Malamute
Weight: They can weigh up to 90 pounds when fully grown.
PSI Bite Force: They have an impressive and lethal bite force of 400 pounds per square inch.
The Alaskan Malamute is an arctic sled dog hailing from Alaska. These slightly chunky cousins of the Siberian husky and other notable Alaskan dog breeds are also quite independent and stubborn, and have a record of not listening to their owners.
These pups are quite loving and sweet when properly trained and socialized well. These overly energetic pups have a truckload of energy and always want to move around and explore new things.
However, these Alaskan Malamutes aren’t everybody’s cup of tea. Prospective owners who don’t have ample space at home or a big yard for them to play and expend their energy shouldn’t think about adopting these big dogs.
9. Chow Chow
Weight: The sturdy and stout chow chow can reach up to 70 pounds or higher.
PSI Bite Force: They have a lethal enough bite force of 220 pounds per square inch.
Hailing from China, this dog had always been popular for his looks and lion-like mane, but this adorable, fluffy, teddy bear-like breed is inherently feral and stubborn in nature. A Chow Chow is quite a demanding dog breed that needs constant physical and mental stimulation.
This puffy stout dog might seem adorable and cute to many, but in reality is a serious guardian, hunter, and herder. An emperor in the Tang dynasty was so impressed by the Chow Chows’ hunting capabilities that he sent 5,000 Chow Chows as hunting companions beside his soldiers.
However, this ancient dog breed is aloof and can cause severe harm to people if not properly trained or socialized well.
Conclusion
Dog bite incidents cause serious fatalities, severe injuries, and deaths every year. The most dangerous breeds, like pit bulls, which have a history of being fighting dogs, are responsible for harming a massive number of people every year. Pit bull attacks are common in America. These aggressive behaviours can be caused by a lack of attention by inexperienced dog owners, who haven’t properly socialized or trained these dangerous breeds that are known for their strong-willed nature and protective instincts.
Whether you are searching for an appropriate guard dog or another furry family member, make sure to learn their physical and mental stimulation requirements, grooming needs, and energy level to take care of strong and agile pups appropriately, because a properly trained dog is less likely to harm anyone.
Some of the other dangerous dog breeds include presa canario, Labrador retrievers, pit bulls, wolf hybrids, pit bull terriers, and mixed breeds
P.S. If you see a dog hurting someone or being aggressive, call a rescue team and take them to the nearest hospital to seek medical attention immediately.
